10 Slow-Cooker Boozy Beverages for Fall and Winter
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
We're used to lugging out the slow cooker when we have a craving for hearty soups and vegan comfort foods, but it's an easy way to make nuanced cocktails too. The gentle heat of your Crock-Pot helps meld the flavors so each taste is somehow smoother than the last. Usually we sip these warm drinks in the winter, but serve them over ice once all of the spices and aromatics have infused the liquid, and you have a thirst-quenching tipple that can be enjoyed when it's hot out too. Here are 13 recipes that'll warm your heart any time of year.
Slow-Cooker Cranberry Orange Wine: For every dinner party, be sure to have some mulled wine on hand. This iteration with oranges and cranberries has us stoked for cozy evenings with friends. (via Kitchen Treaty)
Hot Manuka Honey Apple Cider: Earthy manuka honey and tart apple cider vinegar give this drink a boost of nutrients that totally makes up for the shots of rum, brandy, or whiskey.(via Brit + Co)
Mulled Cider Wine: Take two of the best warm drinks and combine them to make this boozy treat. Apple cider helps tame the acidity of red wine, while spices like cinnamon and clove bring everything together. (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooker Caramel Cider: Caramel syrup tames the sometimes harsh qualities of vodka in this drink. Apple cider's light acidity keeps it from tasting too sickly sweet. (via Pizzazzerie)
Simple Slow Cooker Mulled Wine: Since it's made in the slow cooker, you don't have to worry about the wine scorching as it simmers. (via The View from Great Island)
Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Sweetened condensed milk gives this hot cocoa extra richness. That means it can stand up to a heavy pour of peppermint Schnapps. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Slow Cooker Pumpkin White Russians: Mix up a batch of pumpkin white Russians in your slow cooker earlier in the day, and they'll be hot and ready when your party guests arrive. (via Pizzazzerie)
Slow Cooker Vampire Punch: When served in novelty glasses, this seems like Halloween fare. When this fruity concoction is poured into a cozy mug, on the other hand, it can be enjoyed year round — especially after you add some cinnamon Schnapps. (via Boulder Locavore)
Spiked Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate: Take things really over the top by using a mini blow torch to toast the marshmallows on top. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Slow-Cooker Hot Buttered Rum: This sweet recipe is like a drinkable dessert. (via Boulder Locavore)
Follow us on Pinterest for more creative cocktail ideas.
Follow us on Pinterest for more creative cocktail ideas.
Additional reporting by Ashley Lee
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.